Non-evil formula companies

[mortifiedmama]

I am NOT saying formula is evil. But the companies making formula are pretty horrific in some of their practices.

Do any non-evil ones exist?

I don't want to breastfeed but the idea of giving these companies money is not appealing to me. Is there one that is any better than the rest?

We chose hipp organic when we had to supplement. Coz it's at least organic.

It was devastating but so glad we had the ability to buy it, til we got the bf issues sorted (horrendous undiagnosed tongue tie).

I still boycott all nestle products as a result of what I learnt they do in the less developed countries.

And apparently they are moving into Turkey now, as they have really high bf rates. Couldn't make it up :(

And to every mum out there who wanted to bf but couldn't coz of lack of knowledgeable support BIG massive un-mumsnetty hugs. It is so upsetting. But glad we have a good second best.

I just used whatever agreed best with the baby which ended up being Aptamil.

@spacedinosaur I find your post both offensive and lacking in any kind of proper scientific research.

SpaceDinosaur
I say this as someone still breastfeeding my 13 month old...fuck off and stop being so patronising.

Can't do anything about your feeling offended. Facts aren't attacks.

Link for risks of formula feeding from NCBI

similar facts from the NHS

There's your research dear. There's hundreds of published papers about the risks of artificial milk in the developed world. None saying that human milk is not right for human babies.

Yes, formula is an absolute god send. It is an adequate alternative in the rare instances where Breastmilk, expressed Breastmilk or donor milk is not available.

There are medical reasons why women can't breastfeed but "I didn't produce enough" is usually sadly used as an excuse when people don't understand cluster feeding and haven't received proper support.

Oh shut up spacedinosaur
I couldn’t breastfeed due to inverted nipples and baby with tongue tie, I tried to teach her to latch for 7 weeks and my mental health was at rock bottom.
People like you piss me off with your judgment. My daughter is healthy and is one of the happiest babies I know.
Fwiw me and my 3 sisters were breastfed, my youngest sister is the most sickly adult you’ll ever meet and has many allergies.

Everyone knows breast milk is best, not everyone chooses to feed their child that way for whatever reason and there are many valid reasons for using formula.

Stop mum shaming, it's not helpful for anyone, as stated numerous times OP wasn't asking about the pros and cons of breast or bottle feeding.

If you get angered by the thought of formula feeding then don't click on the thread.

Inventing 'follow on milk' /'hungry baby milk' to get around advertisement rules resulting in parents spending money on formula when it is no longer necessary (i.e beyond 12 months).

Toddler milks have their place. My one year old has it because she didn't get on with cow's milk (under medical investigation as to why) and I know several others in the same boat. They can't have first stage formulas because as toddlers, they have different nutritional needs to babies.

Some people on this thread are utterly vile. Why does it bother anyone how another person chooses to feel their baby? Heck, if you’re so pleased about being “superior” you should be pleased that other babies are formula fed so your precious offspring can stay ahead of the curve

"There are medical reasons why women can't breastfeed but "I didn't produce enough" is usually sadly used as an excuse when people don't understand cluster feeding and haven't received proper support."

Very condescending @spaceDinosaur. Once again assuming that women who don't breastfeed are just too ignorant to know better. If only they just tried harder or weren't so stupid eh?

They can't have first stage formulas because as toddlers, they have different nutritional needs to babies

I'm afraid to say, that this is where you've fallen foul of the evil ploys by formula companies. There's no need to move on from first milk. They say there is, but there isn't. It is cheaper though (another ploy).

I use Kendamil and recommend it 100%. Go for it OP,

Forgot to add that it's better to order directly from their website rather than Amazon. If you bulk buy 3 tubs or more, they give you a discount too, which is nice.

What evil things do they do?
www.businessinsider.com/nestles-infant-formula-scandal-2012-6?r=UK&IR=T

I pray no vulnerable women read this thread.

ViserionTheDragon thanks for the tip.

@Butterchunks I love you

Hope @spacedinosaur's kids learn some fucking empathy from somewhere because they won't be getting it from her.

From what I've researched Kendamil certainly seem the 'nicest'.

Sweepington I'm not sure why. I'm pretty certain everyone knows the breast/ bottle debate. And I think consideration in to the least bad formula company is a good thing!

Question- if using non-premade formula in hospital, how would I go about it? I only know people who have taken the readymade stuff.

Interesting article about formula milk companies published by the bmj today; www.bmj.com/content/363/bmj.k5056

remove freedom of choice for women?

What about the baby's choice? Is it not important what goes in to baby's body?

Good for you @mortifiedmamma. Completely support choosing not to breastfeed. For whatever reason. No “excuses” needed. The worst thing for me about not breastfeeding was the reaction of other mums.

Amara123 it's that article that got me questioning it actually. I have always been aware of the evils of formula companies (which is one of the reasons i chose to bf DS) and would prefer not to use formula this time but I just can't bring myself to breastfeed again!

PetiteMamaNoel they don't get a choice. They get what they're given. I'm pretty sure if they could choose they'd choose breast milk. But parents make the choice for them, based on many factors. Just like parents make many, many other choices for their child.

MaderiaCycle I don't need an excuse! I fucking hated it last time < not envy. I would like to like breastfeeding,it's nutritionally best, it's easy (for me) and convenient. No sterilising, cheaper etc etc but I don't and my mental health has to factor in this time. I didn't think my MH mattered last time, with almost disasterous consequences.

I do think that women should have all the facts (about pretty much everything that concerns them not just infant feeding) and be allowed to make an informed decision.

I'm afraid to say, that this is where you've fallen foul of the evil ploys by formula companies. There's no need to move on from first milk. They say there is, but there isn't. It is cheaper though (another ploy).

The paediatrician who runs this website says otherwise:
www.drgreene.com/qa-articles/infant-toddler-formulas/

@Amara123 I’ve got that article saved to read when I have a min. Would be interested to know if there are any ethical formula companies OP. I guess going for the smallest ensures you’re not giving money to the giants that are guilty of the worst crimes, so Hipp organic and I guess Aldi have a cleaner slate compared to Danone, nestle, et al. Baby milk action should have some info, you could check out if Hipp have misbehaved.